Hanley Ramirez Playing in NLCS with Broken Rib

(AP) Hanley Ramirez has broken rib; game-time decision
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES

Hanley Ramirez has a broken left rib, and the Los Angeles Dodgers said they’ll wait until closer to first pitch to decide whether he will start in Game 3 of the NL championship series. (Updated: Ramirez started the game and singled in his first at bat.)

Manager Don Mattingly says a CT scan revealed Ramirez has a hairline fracture of his ribcage that is painful. Ramirez was working with the training staff to try to get loose enough to swing a bat, which will ultimately determine whether the shortstop can start against St. Louis on Monday night.

The Dodgers were waiting until after batting practice to post their lineup.

Mattingly said it’s been a busy 48 hours trying to do everything possible to get Ramirez on the field, including talking to the NFL about using the kind of padded protective gear worn by running backs.

Ramirez got hit by a pitch in Game 1, but stayed in for the entire 13 innings as the Dodgers lost 3-2. He batted .500 in the NL division series against Atlanta and tied the club’s postseason record with six extra-base hits.

Outfielder Andre Ethier also is a game-time decision. He’s been bothered by shin splints, and the team planned to evaluate him during batting practice.

Ethier was limited to a pinch-hitting role in the Dodgers’ 1-0 loss in Game 2. He has a .300 career batting average against Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright.